Cheating Royalty (Chasing Royalty Series, #2)

-5-

"How?" The word is harsher than I mean for it to be.

Florentine's expression hardens. "I have connections. The other judges have connections. Do not doubt us. With us behind you, you might have a chance getting back into the castle."

She doesn't seem to have any doubts that I wouldn't want to take this opportunity. Is this the best chance that I have to regain my throne? Do I really want to return to the stress and pressure of the throne? Sure, I want nothing more than revenge against my sisters' deaths and my own disgrace, but is there a way to achieve it without becoming queen? Is it part of my duty to fight for my kingdom, even though it might not be something I completely want?

Florentine continues, "However, we won't be able to formulate the plan in detail without knowing that you are completely committed."

"I'm afraid that I can't commit if I have no information whatsoever on how this plan might be carried out, or who it might be involved."

"It's too undeveloped to tell you our exact actions. They will come as we become more organized. It was only recently that I managed to convince the other judges that it is Alexanne, not you who is the murderer. Surely you understand how such convincing would take so much time."

"If it took so long to convince them, do they completely stand behind me? I don't want to entrust my faith in someone who is a traitor. I'm afraid I've had enough of those in my life."

Florentine bows her head, "While they took some time, they trust you now."

"Who are these judges? You don't have to give me exact identities, but could you give me something? Are they kingdom officials of any kind? Noblemen and women?"

"I'm afraid it is not my position to give away that information. I swore an oath that I plan to keep."

Is their secrecy so serious that they had to swear an oath? Who would need to be that secretive?

A servant knocks briskly on the door and peeks her head inside, "Lady Florentine? The Duchess is getting rather restless. I thought that perhaps you would like to meet with her in the best of her many moods?"

Florentine smiles, nods, and turns back to us, "Is there anything else you would like to ask?"

There are thousands of questions begging to be asked, but I can't choose which one has the most urgency. Instead I shake my head, "No. Thank you, Florentine, for all you have done."

Florentine turns back to the servant, "Would you show these ladies to a room? I need to go meet with the Duchess."

Florentine slips from the room as the servant enters. She curtsies to us and leads us down the hall. We travel back through the windowed hall and into a new part of the home. We pass by an open door, revealing an expansive library. My eyes stare at the books as we pass. I think of the stolen books sitting inside the bag on my back. Perhaps I won't need them much longer.

The servant stops in front of a door, unlocks it, and opens it for us. She ushers it inside, waiting in the doorway.

I stumble inside, tripping over the edge of the thick carpet. My bag slips from my grasp and falls to the floor as I stare at room. It's the perfect image of what used to be mine.

Two large beds lie in the huge room, soft pillows and warm quilts waiting. Large windows let in late morning sunrays, giving us a view of the gardens. A twinkling chandelier, expensive paintings, and bookshelves. After living in our tiny room for two months, this is close to paradise.

I turn back to see that the servant is still waiting to be dismissed. I'm respected by the servants again. I nod to her, and she closes the door gently behind her.